Laid up bike - what to do to run again and tank rust.
 

Hey everyone, just picked up a 2002 black sv650 and am now working to figure out what to fix, and in what order.

It was a one owner bike that sat in a shed since 2006 without any storage prep. Needless to say the tank is pretty rusted, and the fork seals are dry rotted out.

I'm looking for some advice on what to look for while fixing it up. For the tank, I got some rust dissolver and will probably do something like POR-15 if it isn't too damaged. Otherwise I'm open to suggestions. Thanks!

Re: Getting it road worthy again
 

post some pics up, lets see how it look first!

Re: Laid up bike - what to do to run again and tank rust.
 

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...3-16121645.jpg

Fork seals totally gone

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...3-16121650.jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...3-16121721.jpg

Pretty bad rust in the tank, I dropped it off at a shop today to be cleaned so hopefully it will be salvageable...

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...3-16121755.jpg

Carbs out for cleaning

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...3-16162948.jpg
I was actually suprised by how clean the carbs were. There was no gas in them so maybe the PO drained them out before he parked it, I dunno
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...3-16165025.jpg

Re: Laid up bike - what to do to run again and tank rust.
 

The overall condition looks a lot better than mine :smt019

Stanchions look suprisingly fine. If you save that tank ill be amazed. Why not build yourself a proper bench?

Re: Laid up bike - what to do to run again and tank rust.
 

Are you in the UK?. There is a company here that refurbs tanks and have had ones done in the same condition as yours and they come back as new inside. Costs around £180 though.

Re: Laid up bike - what to do to run again and tank rust.
 

+1 makes mine look bad :(

Re: Laid up bike - what to do to run again and tank rust.
 

I'm in the US. I've got my fingers crossed for the tank, been unable to find a used one yet so may have to fork out $600 for a new one. Got the parts ordered for the forks, hopefully have those spruced up next week sometime.

Re: Laid up bike - what to do to run again and tank rust.
 

Details please?

Re: Laid up bike - what to do to run again and tank rust.
 

What state is the rear suspension linkage in? See how your swingarm bearings feel too. A strip and regrease would be a good use of time. Is the rear shock moving freely and damping OK?

Check steering head bearings and a strip and regrease there would be good use of time too.

Brake fluid should definitely be changed, and a brake caliper service and fresh pads probably not a bad idea.

I assume you are doing a full service anyway, but old engine oil can get acidic, so an engine flush before putting the fresh stuff in would be a good practice, as would flushing the radiator and cooling system in both directions with a garden hose, then fresh coolant.

Fresh tyres if it's been sat on it wheels in one position for that long, the ones you have may be a bit out of shape.

Good luck with it all!